Hockey star Yvonne’s next goal: the Olympics

HOME in Cork after securing a World Cup silver medal, hockey star Yvonne O’Byrne, Model Farm Road, is already setting her sights on the Olympics.

The Irish side inspired the nation after reaching the final in London despite being one of the lowest ranked teams in the competition.

Speaking to the Evening Echo, Yvonne, aged 26, who is doing a research PhD at CIT in health promotion intervention in primary schools, said it was every child’s dream to compete at the Olympics and she was hoping she will have the chance to live that dream.

“We are in an excellent position to qualify for the Olympics,” Yvonne said.

Looking back at the World Cup last weekend, Yvonne said it still hasn’t sunk in properly.

“It was a crazy weekend. We have been on the go the whole time. The response has been incredible. Everyone is talking about hockey!”

O’Byrne said she came home to a week of celebrations that are showing no signs of abating.

“There are people I haven’t seen in years coming up to me to congratulate me.”

The hockey player, who has been playing her sport since the age of 12, said she was always very driven and very focused and also gave a nod to her club, Cork Harlequins for keeping her dedicated to the sport. “There were a lot of role models to keep me on track. I was surrounded by good influences.

“We had ex-international players who always taught me to not lose hope and keep going.”

Yvonne said that the team had been so delighted to qualify for the World Cup that they were just happy to be there.

Yvonne’s boyfriend Cathal Owens said he was very proud of her. “I’m a bit broke right now, but it is a weekend I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Cathal said he spent €400 on flights and £95 on a ticket to the final, but it was worth it.